soccer by David Sabir -- could resolve many administrative headaches currently plaguing the sport.

Such a post could also be an added incentive to persuade El James to remain as president of the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control and continue working at implementing the many programmes he and his committee have already started -- both at a youth and senior level.

It is understood that a small private group is about to be formed to look into finding ways of raising approximately $25,000 to pay the wages for the part-time post.

This development came after James hinted recently that added responsibilities since being elected a new Progressive Labour Party MP at the November 9 General Election were forcing him to re-evaluate his involvement in cricket.

But privately he has told friends that leaving the sport would be something that he was not looking forward to after holding down the position for just over a year.

James -- a former Bermuda all-rounder -- has played a vital role in reviving the floundering sport by implementing many new programmes and initiatives while regaining the faith in the sport of sponsors and the public alike.

Sources say it would be hard to find a suitable replacement in the event of his resignation.

However, it is understood that James himself may indeed run again if an administrator is found because it would mean less office work for him.

In recent weeks he has been restricted to making just periodic visits to the Board office in Hamilton to offer assistance to the lone clerk employed there.

"If finding a part-time administrator will encourage Mr. James to continue on as president then it is something that we, the many lovers of cricket in the Island, have to support,'' said St. Clair (Brinky) Tucker.

"In fact, I think it's something that has long been needed. Cricket is a major sport in the Island just like soccer and if soccer can have a full-time administrator running their affairs I don't see why cricket cannot have somebody doing likewise on a limited scale.'' Fellow PLP MP Randy Horton, who has played a vital role in helping James and his committee to revive the sport by chairing the Youth Development Committee, echoed Tucker's sentiments.

"It's definitely needed for the sport of cricket, we simply have to get the sport back to the prominence where it once was,'' said Horton, who is expected retain his position as chairman of the Board's Youth Development committee despite having also been elected to Parliament.

Just who is spearheading the move to form a group to raise funding for the position remains to be seen, but it is understood that a number of senior people involved in the game and others who are keen fans of the sport will be approached about participating in fund-raising endeavours.

Previously the Board had a senior person with vast previous cricket connections offering assistance as a part-time administrator on a volunteer basis.

Among the personalities who could be approached about joining the ranks of the fund-raising group are Randy Butler, Tommy Aitchison, Jim Woolridge (MP), John Barritt (MP), Stephen West and St. Clair Tucker.

Sports Minister Dennis Lister is not expected to be bothered for funds since his estimates for his budget have already been placed and cricket is expecting Government to place priorities on assisting in the funding for a national coach.